‘Panamure Kunchanadaya’ in honour of ‘Panamure Hasthi Rajaya’
‘Panamure Kunchanadaya’, a massive musical symphonic presentation with the participation of over 200 artistes directed by seasoned musician Navaratne Gamage will be launched soon. Organised by the Panamure Kunchanada Creative Group, the musical presentation is for the promotion and enlightening of the present and future generations on ‘Panamure Hasthi Rajaya’ or the majestic elephant of Panamure which created history with the sacrifice of it’s life for the cause of it’s herd more than six decades ago. With the aim of rekindling this great deed by the animal that was responsible in making an end to the cruel practice of elephant killing on August 9, 1950. Panamure Hasthi Rajaya’s that refused to be captured but was finally shot dead compelling the government to pass a law banning Elephant Killing, capture and killing of elephants, forever changing the fate of all Sri Lankan Elephants.
Panamure Kunchanadaya will be played in memory of its heroic act with the participation of 20 singers, 24 players, 30 choreographers, 12 choreographers, 30 child players and 24 cultural troupes representing different nationalities. The launch of the website for this event was held at the ‘Kamatha’, at the BMICH with the participation of Pandit W. D. Ameradeva and several distinguished guests and artistes. The event was also organised by the “Eithihasika Panamura Hasthiraja Foundation” (EPHF) which is in a mission to reconstruct the figures of the majestic elephant of Panamure and construct a museum.